WARNER Bros is set to produce ‘With the 8th Pick’, a gripping new feature film that explores the fraught behind-the-scenes manoeuvres of the 1996 NBA Draft involving the late basketball legend, Kobe Bryant.
Penned by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, the script centres on the New Jersey Nets – then managed by John Nash and coached by John Calipari – and their near selection of the high-school phenom Bryant with the eighth overall pick.
Despite their interest, the franchise ultimately opted to draft Kerry Kittles instead, owing to concerns over Bryant’s preference for Los Angeles and his lucrative sneaker deal prospects.
Bryant was eventually taken by the Charlotte Hornets at number 13 and then traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac – a move that would alter the trajectory of the NBA forever.
According to sources, the narrative promises the drama and suspense of ‘Moneyball’, the technological intrigue of ‘The Social Network’, and the sports-world high stakes of ‘Air’, with Kobe himself – and even his father, Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant – at the heart of the story.
‘With the 8th Pick’ is being produced by Tim and Trevor White (of ‘King Richard’ fame) via Star Thrower Entertainment, together with Ryan Stowell and Gotham Chopra of ‘Religion of Sports’.
Currently, the film lacks both a director and cast, suggesting it remains in the early stages of development. Kobe’s career needs little introduction – 20 seasons with the Lakers, five NBA championships (including a threepeat from 2000 to 2002), 18 All-Star nominations, and MVP accolades during the 2007-08 season.
Following his retirement in 2016, Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020 alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, at the age of 41.
Beyond basketball, Kobe made his mark on film and media – winning an Oscar for the animated short ‘Dear Basketball’, contributing several creative projects via his Granity Studios, and collaborating on documentaries like ‘Kobe Doin’ Work’ directed by Spike Lee.
The timing of the film’s announcement carries added poignancy – it emerged just as fans and family marked what would have been Kobe’s 47th birthday, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across the sports and entertainment worlds.
